Live Reporting: Manmohan Singh rules himself out of PM race

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be addressing a press meet at 11am today to spell out the achievements of UPA government in last 10 years.The PM is mainly expected to point out the steps his government took to boost the economy besides addressing issues of corruption and price rise.When it was announced that the PM will address the press meet on January 3, it was being speculated in media that he might announce his resignation and Rahul Gandhi's anointment as the new Prime Minister but the Congress party has firmly ruled out any such possibility.In last 10 years of UPA rule, it is only the third time that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be facing the media.In his new year message to the nation,PM had said that it's time to make a "new begining" and take "corrective action".On corruption, Singh is expected to refer to the passage of the lokpal bill and proposals to enact other laws to build a framework to deal with the problem.With regard to inflation, the economist-Prime Minister will explain the reasons for it. The public articulation of the reasons would be helpful to Congress cadres to convey to the people.In terms of economy, he is expected to underline that the average growth has been unprecedented even though the country had to bear the impact of global recession twice during the last decade.The press conference being held at the recently inaugurated National Media Centre, is expected to be attended by around 200 media persons, including senior editors.Here we are giving you minute-by-minute updates of this press conference:12.13-Pm- We have shown that Congress can successfully run coalitions. We have proved it for two terms.12.06-PM- It's wrong to say that the govt's decisions were decided bu Sonia or Rahul Gandhi12.05-PM- I have publically apologised for sikh riots of 1984 and we have tried our best to provide succor to the victims.12.00-Pm- Corruption is definitely an issue. Whether AAP will succeed is fighting AAP or not is an issue of time.There are opportunities and challenges in fighting corruption and we have to fight unitedly.11.59-PM- Nuclear deal with US was one of the main achievements of my government.11.58-PM- It's not true that we are not concerned with the well being of Sri Lankan Tamils. There is an opportunity for Indian Tamils and Sri Lankan Tamils to sit together and resolve fishermen issue. 11.54-PM- I don't think Congress has lost elections because of our govt's performance. I respect Rahul gandhi's decision not to join the government. 11.53-PM- In Delgi, people have reposed their faith in AAP. They must be given time to prove themselves.11.52-PM- I believe we have done reasonably well in view of global financial crises including Euro crisis.11.49-PM- I'm happy that I have completed almost 10 years of primeministership without any hiccups as far as relation with Congress party is concerned. I got full support of Sonia Gandhi.11.48-PM- In our 9 years of rule, we have maintained and sustained the economic growth.11.47-PM- Good relation between India and pakistan is in the interest of the entire subcontinent. 11.44-PM- I don't think I have been a weak PM. Let historians judge. But I don't think a strong PM should be like some one who presided over worse massacre in Ahmedabad.11.43-PM- I have full confidence that the next PM will be from UPA. It will be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as PM.11.38-PM- A parliamentary system of govt is best suited than a presidential system for a country like India.11.37-PM- Rhino is a national asset and all efforts should be made to protect them.11.35- PM- My govt gives highest priority to strategic relations with US. 11.34-PM- I'm the same person as i was 9 years agao. I have worked with full dedication and commitment.11.33-PM- I'll not be able to comment on corruption charges against Himachal Pradesh CM because I did not get time to apply my mind to these charges.11.31-PM- We'll continue to push for reforms wherever its needed.11.30-PM- I have spoken wherever its needed on party forum. I''ll continue to speak wherever its needed.11.29-PM- We worked a lot as far as implementation of Sachchar committee report is concerned. I know results have not tricked down to everybody but we are working on that. A lot has been done in selected 90 districts. So enough has been done. 11.27-PM- It's possible that price rise played a role in turning people against UPA government. We could not control prices because of rising prices at international level.11.26 -PM- It's too early to judge the composition of UPA III11:25-PM - I have enjoyed my work very much.11:24 -PM-I will not be PM candidate if UPA comes to power again.11:23 -PM- I was the one who said that spectrum allocation should be transparent and coal should be auctioned. I'm sure when history will be written we will come out unscathed. There were irregularities but the dimension was overestimated by media.11:22-PM- As far as the charges are corruption are concerned, they are mainly of UPA I era. We went to people after that and we got another mandate for 5 years. 11:20 -PM- The PM candidate will be announced at the appropriate time.11:06 –PM: No individual or group can replace institute of democratic govts.11:05 –PM -: We did not do well in election but the good thing is that people have participated in large numbers. 11:04 – PM - People have demonstrated the strength of democracy by voting in large numbers.11:03 –PM greets people on New Year11:02 -I&B minister Manish Tewari requests PM to address the gathering.11:02 - PM reaches National Media Centre